As many
other African countries, Nigeria has a very rich history of different kingdoms
and tribes. In the 15th century the Benin kingdom establishes itself
as one of the most well-known dynasties of Nigeria. This kingdom is known for
its glorious bronze sculptures. The Benin art is mostly a royal art, they
bronze casted the heads of their deceased kings.
During the
second half of the 19th century Nigeria came under the colonial rule of the
United Kingdom. Especially the trade in palm oil was very interesting for
Europe. In 1947, the United Kingdom established a new federal government with
the current Nigerian rulers. With this new system the British wanted to reunite
the different regions and religions across the country.
On 1st
October 1960, Nigeria became an independent country. With this independence,
the Benin kingdom gained back its cultural significance within the Republic,
but not its political power. Today, the magnificent art works of the Benin
kingdom dynasty can be viewed at the British Museum. Definitely worth the
visit!
Sources:
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ad41
http://www.ijebu.org/benin/
http://4u2great.blogspot.be/2010/12/stolen-benin-city-mask-to-be-auctioned.html
http://www.iss.co.za/af/profiles/nigeria/politics.html
http://www.ijebu.org/benin/
http://4u2great.blogspot.be/2010/12/stolen-benin-city-mask-to-be-auctioned.html
http://www.iss.co.za/af/profiles/nigeria/politics.html
It was well worth it to go to the museum! We saw a lot of art works and we were guided in the museum and we get a lot of information about how they made these art works, which materials they used.. I found it very interesting to know more about the history of a country with a different culture. As Yana said, it's worth to visit the British museum!
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI liked the masks we saw in the museum. Maybe a bit cliché but it is the first thing that come up in my mind when I am thinking about African countries.
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